Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has inaugurated a new production facility in Adelaide, South Australia, marking a milestone in the company’s support for Australian Defence acquisition and sustainment programs.
The facility will focus on the production and maintenance of advanced defence technologies, including strike missiles, air defence systems, and remote weapon stations for the Australian armed forces, the company said in a news release.
The official opening was presided over by Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy alongside Norway’s Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram.
“We are delighted to open the first Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace facility in the Asia-Pacific region to support Australian acquisition and sustainment programs nationally. We believe in the importance of building and sustaining critical capabilities within Australia, ensuring that the nation remains secure and self-reliant,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
KONGSBERG’s Adelaide facility comes after a $25 million AUD investment in a 2,500-square-metre facility on a 6,000-square-metre site.
The new facility reflects the company’s commitment to fostering Sovereign Australian Industry Capability, focusing on the local manufacture, integration, and testing of critical defence equipment.
“The opening marks a major milestone for KONGSBERG in Australia. Bringing advanced technologies and expertise from Norway to Australia will enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force,” said John Fry, managing director of Kongsberg Defence Australia.
The facility will play a key role in supporting various defence programs, including the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the Navy, the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), and the Protector Remote Weapon Stations for the Australian Army.
In addition to the Adelaide site, the Australian Government has announced plans to invest in a new factory for KONGSBERG’s strike missiles in Newcastle.
The factory, expected to begin construction later this year, will manufacture and service missiles for the Australian Defence Force.
This development aligns with the government’s broader defence strategy under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
Kongsberg Defence Australia has been named one of the Strategic Partners in the GWEO Enterprise, which is part of the Australian Government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
According to the company, the program is backed by a commitment of $16 to $21 billion over the next decade.
